Do the promises attached to Divine Mercy Sunday (first Sunday after Easter) exceed or equal the benefits from a plenary indulgence or how do they differ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Conte

Opinions vary on this question. My position is that the benefits of Divine Mercy Sunday are those of Confession -- forgiveness of all sins -- and a plenary indulgence -- forgiveness of all temporal punishment due -- but without any additional requirements, such as lacking attachment to even venial sin, or saying certain prayers. So it is simply an easier to obtain plenary indulgence.

To obtain the Divine Mercy Sunday benefit, make a good confession within 8 days (or so) before or after Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), go to Mass and receive Communion. The benefit it the forgiveness of all sins and all temporal punishment due for all past sins.

You should have the intention to receive the Divine Mercy Sunday benefit (which is essentially a special form of plenary indulgence). You don't need to meet other requirements, but you should do the penance assigned by your confessor.

To obtain the Divine Mercy Sunday benefit, make a good confession within 8 days (or so) before or after Divine Mercy Sunday (the Sunday after Easter), go to Mass and receive Communion. The benefit it the forgiveness of all sins and all temporal punishment due for all past sins.

You should have the intention to receive the Divine Mercy Sunday benefit (which is essentially a special form of plenary indulgence). You don't need to meet other requirements, but you should do the penance assigned by your confessor.

Ron,
To obtain the graces promised, my understanding has been that we also are required to say a novena of Chaplets of Divine Mercy, starting on Good Friday and also to perform at least one act of mercy towards someone. Has anyone any thoughts on this?

Ron,
To obtain the graces promised, my understanding has been that we also are required to say a novena of Chaplets of Divine Mercy, starting on Good Friday and also to perform at least one act of mercy towards someone. Has anyone any thoughts on this?

No, that is certainly not correct. Although there are some disagreements among priests, theologians, and devotees of Saint Faustina as to exactly what is required to obtain the benefit of Divine Mercy Sunday, the novena is never said to be part of the requirements. This is clear from what Jesus said to Saint Faustina. The novena is a separate devotion with separate blessings for those who complete it.

A plenary (full) indulgence is granted on August 2nd of each year:
The Portiuncula (little portion) indulgence.

This Thursday, August 2nd:

To obtain the Portiuncula plenary indulgence,

(1) a person must visit a Franciscan sanctuary or one’s parish church on August 2nd with the intention of honoring Our Lady of the Angels, and pray the Our Father, the Apostles' Creed, and another prayer for the intentions of the Pope;

(2) attend Mass and receive holy Communion, preferably on August 2nd, but at least within 8 days before or after (a longer time is permissible if confession is not available);

(3) receive the Sacrament of Confession within 8 days before or after (a longer time is permissible if confession is not available);

(4) and -- for the indulgence to be full -- you should be free, at least intentionally, of attachment to venial and mortal sin, and truly repentant.

If you fail to obtain an plenary indulgence due to attachment to some sin, but you perform the other works, the indulgence is partial.

Some commentators say within 20 days before or after, but the norms say "several days". Since confession and Mass are widely available on weekends, 8 days before and after usually suffices. When confession or Mass is not available, a longer time will certainly still fulfill the conditions.

Just a heads up to remind all that tomorrow, Tue. Is the date for this indulgence.